Irish Golf News

Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth missed the cut by three shots in The Barclays, which means that Rory McIlroy will return to the top of the world rankings for the second FedEx Cup playoff event in Boston. What's unclear is whether or not Pádraig Harrington will join them there.

That Spieth and McIlroy will tee it up in the Deutsche Bank Championship is a given but it remains to be seen if Harrington will be in the Top 100 in the FedEx Cup points list who qualify after he comfortably missed the cut in New Jersey on Friday, adding a 75 to his opening 73 to miss out by six strokes.

Spieth, playing with a new series of Titleist irons, became the first player to miss the cut in his first start after becoming No 1, added a 73 to his opening 74 to miss the cut by five shots on seven over.

“Yeah, tough week,” Spieth said. “I'm definitely searching for answers. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do from here as far as how I get prepared for next week but I have some time to figure it out. We don't start till Friday.”

Poor from the tee in round one and struggling on the greens, Harrington fell 12 places to a projected 99th in the standings, leaving his fate in the hands of Mark Wilson, Stewart Cink, Vijay Singh, Lee Westwood, Carlos Ortiz, Ken Duke, Luke Donald, Jeff Overton and Ryo Ishikawa, who are currently outside the Top 100 but still in action at Plainfield this weekend.

Live projected FedEx Cup points

Harrington was aware he could do nothing else but wait around until Sunday night to discover his fate, admitting that his poor putting put his overall game under too much pressure.

As for Spieth, it was his first missed cut for three months and while he can still regain the No 1 spot in Boston, anything that could go wrong did go wrong in The Barclays, including a one-stroke penalty for stepping on his ball while looking for it in a hazard.

Asked about the No 1 ranking, he said:  "I've reached that peak already and I know it's going to be close enough to where if I just get the job done next week, I'll be back in that ranking.

“But again, that ranking, it's great once you reach it but it's not something that I'm going to live or die on each week. It doesn't really make much of a difference.

"If you go on a three- or four-year cycle, Rory is No. 1 in the world. If you go just base off of this year, I am. They just use two years. In my mind, it's just about trying to win the FedExCup at this point.”

At the business end of affairs, Bubba Watson added a 68 to his 65 to lead by a shot on seven under from Henrik Stenson, Tony Finau and Zach Johnson.

Matthew Fitzpatrick. Picture: Getty

Michael Hoey is chasing his sixth European Tour win in the Czech Republic but Damien McGrane is desperately seeking the €100,000 he needs to keep his tour card.

And both can still achieve their objectives in the D+D REAL Czech Masters, where rising star Matthew Fitzpatrick holed a 15 foot birdie putt on his final hole for a share of the halfway lead.

The Englishman, who turns 21 next Tuesday, also sank a 30ft eagle putt on the 12th hole in his five under par second round of 67 to move to 11 under par for the tournament, a total which was match by Sweden’s Pelle Edberg, who also birdied his final hole for a round of 67.

The former US Amateur Champion and Edberg are one shot clear of Belgian Thomas Pieters, who signed for round of 68 to move to ten under par, while English pair Robert Dinwiddie (67) and Sam Hutsby (70) and Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen share fourth position on eight under par, three shots behind the leading pair.

Hoey is tied seventh, just four behind the leaders on seven under after rounds of 67 and 70 while 44-year old McGrane is tied 12th on five under.

A 70 left him five shots outside the second place finish he needs to haul himself up from 183rd in the Race to Dubai and after missing just two greens on Friday, all is not lost.

Kevin Phelan, 105th in the Race to Dubai, is tied 36th on three under thanks to a scrambling 71 but Simon Thornton (69-75) and Peter Lawrie (71-74) missed the 143 cut.

Fitzpatrick said: “It was very consistent today. I played nicely and hit a lot of greens again which is always important to keep making pars and then take your chances when you have them.

"I gave myself a few out there. I got a bit frustrated in the middle of the round when I wasn’t holing any putts. I missed a few chances but picked it up on the back nine.”

Complete round two scores (par 72)

133 P Edberg (Swe) 66 67, M Fitzpatrick  (Eng) 66 67,

134 T Pieters  (Bel) 66 68,

136 R Dinwiddie  (Eng) 69 67, S Hutsby  (Eng) 66 70, T Olesen (Den) 67 69,

137 E Pepperell (Eng) 69 68, M Hoey  (Nir) 67 70,

138 R Paratore (Ita) 65 73, R Karlberg  (Swe) 70 68, B Stow (Eng) 72 66,

139 M Foster (Eng) 67 72, F Fritsch  (Ger) 69 70, S Jamieson  (Sco) 67 72, C Arendell (USA) 72 67, M Ford (Eng) 71 68, D Dixon (Eng) 69 70, J Garcia Pinto (Esp) 67 72, C Lee (Sco) 68 71, R Kakko  (Fin) 67 72, J Lara (Esp) 71 68, S Griffiths (Eng) 71 68, M Schneider (Ger) 72 67, D McGrane (Irl) 69 70,

140 P Oriol (Esp) 67 73, D Lipsky (USA) 71 69, V Dubuisson  (Fra) 72 68, M Decottignies-Lafon (Fra) 71 69, R Fox (Nzl) 73 67, J McLeary  (Sco) 69 71, G Bourdy (Fra) 70 70, K Broberg (Swe) 67 73, B Ritthammer (Ger) 68 72, J Barnes (Eng) 69 71, L Slattery (Eng) 68 72,

141 G Porteous (Eng) 72 69, C Paisley  (Eng) 69 72, D Im (USA) 68 73, M Tullo (Chi) 71 70, P Uihlein  (USA) 70 71, E De La Riva  (Esp) 65 76, K Phelan (Irl) 70 71, A Tadini (Ita) 71 70, O Fisher  (Eng) 71 70, D Brooks (Eng) 69 72, J Parry (Eng) 70 71, R Evans  (Eng) 73 68, A Saddier (Fra) 71 70, G Boyd  (Eng) 69 72, J Makitalo  (Fin) 71 70, S Henry  (Sco) 69 72, V Novak (am) (Cze) 73 68,

142 B Evans  (Eng) 71 71, A Wall (Eng) 72 70, J Lagergren (Swe) 69 73, D Drysdale (Sco) 69 73, M Nixon (Eng) 74 68, J Sjöholm (Swe) 70 72, T Pilkadaris (Aus) 73 69, P Maddy (Eng) 73 69,

143 L Jensen (Den) 71 72, P Meesawat  (Tha) 70 73, H Otto (RSA) 71 72, E Espana (Fra) 71 72, C Bouniol (Fra) 70 73, F Praegant (Aut) 69 74, F Mruzek (Cze) 69 74, B Dredge (Wal) 74 69, S Hansen (Den) 71 72, P Whiteford (Sco) 70 73, G Storm  (Eng) 70 73, J Knutzon (USA) 71 72, P Relecom  (Bel) 68 75, S Kapur (Ind) 71 72, J Hahn (USA) 72 71, M Lundberg (Swe) 72 71, N Colsaerts  (Bel) 73 70,

CUT

144 A Hansen (Den) 71 73, V Riu  (Fra) 71 73, S Fallon (Eng) 73 71, S Thornton (Irl) 69 75, N Holman  (Aus) 72 72, R Bland (Eng) 73 71, S Kim (USA) 72 72, P Hanson (Swe) 71 73, C Pigem (Esp) 74 70, C Del Moral (Esp) 70 74, S Wakefield (Eng) 69 75, T Lewis (Eng) 71 73, R Gonzalez (Arg) 72 72, J Walters (RSA) 71 73, J Scrivener (Aus) 72 72, R McEvoy  (Eng) 77 67, A Otaegui  (Esp) 72 72,

145 P Lawrie (Irl) 71 74, C Doak (Sco) 69 76, J Lando Casanova  (Fra) 73 72, P Gal  (Cze) 76 69, A Velasco (Esp) 73 72, S Dodd (Wal) 73 72, M Lampert (Ger) 73 72, T Murray (Eng) 72 73, D Horsey (Eng) 70 75, C Suk (Cze) 75 70, G Bhullar (Ind) 72 73, P Peterson (USA) 73 72, M Madsen  (Den) 71 74, S Chawrasia (Ind) 72 73, N Quintarelli (Ita) 73 72,

146 P Archer (Eng) 75 71, J Singh (Ind) 76 70, J Edfors (Swe) 73 73, J Colomo  (Esp) 76 70, O Henningsson  (Swe) 72 74, R Coles (Eng) 73 73,

147 T Van Der Walt (RSA) 75 72, B Hebert  (Fra) 72 75, D Stewart (Sco) 72 75, C Shinkwin (Eng) 72 75, R Finch  (Eng) 70 77, M Jonzon (Swe) 73 74, C Lloyd (Eng) 74 73, N Fasth (Swe) 74 73, M Bremner (RSA) 74 73, V Phillips (Eng) 75 72,

148 A Korinek (Cze) 75 73, A Pavan (Ita) 71 77, R Santos  (Por) 78 70, S Benson (Eng) 73 75, L Bjerregaard  (Den) 76 72,

149 D Woltman (USA) 74 75, M Korhonen (Fin) 75 74, D Gaunt (Aus) 74 75, J Roos (RSA) 74 75, J Morrison  (Eng) 75 74, S Matus  (Cze) 73 76,

150 R McGowan  (Eng) 78 72, O Farr (Wal) 74 76, D Fichardt (RSA) 70 80,

151 E Goya (Arg) 79 72, A Hortal  (Esp) 74 77, M Novy  (Cze) 74 77, A Ahokas (Fin) 74 77, D Suchan  (Cze) 73 78,

152 D Van Tonder  (RSA) 77 75,

153 L Tintera  (Cze) 77 76, J Huldahl (Den) 77 76, M Brezovsky (am) (Svk) 75 78,

154 A Gee  (Eng) 79 75, A Rajmont  (Cze) 75 79,

155 M Crespi  (Ita) 75 80,

156 J Janda (Cze) 77 79,

157 A Pavlov (Rus) 80 77, M Pospisil (am) (Cze) 79 78,

161 P Dedek (am) (Cze) 80 81,

162 J Friesz (am) (Svk) 80 82.

Alex Gleeson (Castle / UCD) winner of the Irish Youths Open Championship at Moyola Park Picture by Pat Cashman

Castle and UCD's Alex Gleeson bounced back from last week's  defeat to Tiarnan McLarnon in the AIG Irish Amateur Close final when he claimed the Irish Youths and helped UCD win the Irish College Invitational Tournament at Moyola Park.

Tied overnight with  Ryan Long (Cairndhu), Rory Williamson (Holywood) and Eugene Smith (Ardee), Gleeson closed with a two under 69 to win by four strokes on four under par for his third win of the season following his victories in the Irish Inter-Varsities and the Boyd Quaich already this year.

Dutton (70) edged out Williamson (73) for second spot on count back with Eugene Smith joint second overall in the colleges invitational, which was being conjunction with the Irish Youth.

Gleeson's 69 helped a UCD A side comprising Ted Collins and Jonathan Yates—who had every number from 1 to 7 in his 73,incuding an ace at the 12th—as the Dublin college finished five shots clear of Ulster University. 

Kevin McIntyre (President Elect, GUI) presenting Alex Gleeson (Castle) with the Irish Youths Open Championship trophy after his victory at Moyola Park Golf Club today (28/05/2015).Also in the picture are Laurence McQuillan (Captain, Moyola Golf Club) and Peter Sinclair (Chairman, Ulster Branch, GUI). Picture by Pat Cashman

Ulster Prize Winners.......Kevin McIntyre (President Elect, GUI) presenting Ross Dutton (Tandragee), Rory Williamson (Holywood) and Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) with their prizes at the Irish Youths Open Championship at Moyola Park Golf Club. Also in the picture are Laurence McQuillan (Captain, Moyola Golf Club) and Peter Sinclair (Chairman, Ulster Branch, GUI). Picture by Pat Cashman

Kevin McIntyre (President Elect, GUI) presenting Jonathan Yates (Naas ) with his hole in one prize at the Irish Youths Open Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

Rory Williamson. Picture by Pat Cashman

Ross Dutton (Tandragee) reacts to a missed putt on the 14th green in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

Kevin McIntyre (President Elect, GUI) with Jonathan Yates and Alex Gleeson (UCD) winners of the Inter Colleges Invitational Championship. Also in the picture are Laurence McQuillan (Captain, Moyola Golf Club) and Peter Sinclair (Chairman, Ulster Branch, GUI). Picture by Pat Cashman

Alex Gleeson (CastleUCD) hole out on the 18th for victory in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park. (28/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Irish Youths & Irish Colleges Invitational Championships, Moyola Park (Par 71)

Team standings: 1 University College Dublin (a); Ulster University (a); 3 Maynooth University (b)

Full leaderboard

Irish Youths Leaderboard

209 Alex Gleeson (Castle) 71 69 69

213 Ross Dutton (Tandragee) 72 71 70, Rory Williamson (Holywood) 68 72 73

215 Paul McCarthy (Mallow) 72 73 70, Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) 71 73 71, Ronan Mullarney (Galway) 69 73 73

216 Tom Beasley (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 71 69, Mark Power (Kilkenny) 76 70 70, John Cleary (Elm Park) 69 75 72

217 Tommy O'Driscoll (Killarney) 75 73 69

218 Cameron Franssen (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 70 74, Neil McKinstry (Cairndhu) 73 74 71

219 Adam Mulhall (Ardglass) 75 69 75, Peter Fleming (Galway) 74 74 71, Jack Walsh (Castle) 71 74 74

220 Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 75 72 73, Owen Crooks (Bushfoot) 74 76 70, Devin Morley (Oughterard) 74 74 72, John Murphy (Kinsale) 73 71 76, Rowan Lester (Hermitage) 70 74 76

221 Matthew McGowan (Donegal Golf Club) 76 72 73, Kyle McCarron (North West) 76 72 73, Ryan O'Doherty (Enniscrone) 75 73 73, Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush) 74 77 70, George Burns (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 75 72, Cameron Raymond (Newlands) 72 75 74, Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) 72 74 75, Ryan Long (Cairndhu) 70 70 81

222 Adam McCormick () 77 73 72, Timmy Broderick (Kinsale) 75 71 76, Kevin Power (Kilkenny) 74 75 73, Dean Crawford (Moyola Park) 73 79 70, Stuart Bleakley (Shandon Park) 71 75 76

223 Eoin O'Brien (Clontarf) 79 72 72, Peter Cummins (Lurgan) 77 72 74, Rory Murphy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 76 72, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 75 73 75, Hugh O'Hare (Fortwilliam) 75 72 76, Ronan O'Callaghan (Mannan Castle) 72 77 74, Ross Nelson (Belvoir Park) 72 77 74

224 Alastair McQuillan (Cushendall) 74 77 73, Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) 72 76 76, Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick) 71 78 75

225 Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock) 78 73 74, Timothy Jordan (Dungannon) 77 74 74, Colm Hughes (Galway) 76 74 75, Sean Flanagan (Co. Sligo) 73 77 75, Joe Carmody-Firth () 72 79 74, Ross Steedman (Balcarrick) 72 77 76, Marc Nolan (Delgany) 70 76 79

226 Henry Clark (Shandon Park) 79 71 76, Harry Duggan (Kilkenny) 75 77 74, Peter McKeever (Castle) 75 77 74, Andrew Clegg (Donaghadee) 73 76 77, Matthew Murphy (Clandeboye) 72 78 76, Liam Grehan (Mullingar) 72 77 77, Monty Scowsill () 72 75 79

227 Max Thallon (Bangor) 82 70 75, Reece Black (Hilton Templepatrick) 78 72 77, Sean Walsh (Carton House) 76 81 70, Paul Tobin (Cork) 75 73 79, Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan) 75 73 79, Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo) 73 73 81, Micheal Shiel (Athenry) 71 78 78

228 Oisin Devereux (Carton House) 79 79 70, Gareth Carr (Mullingar) 75 77 76

229 John McCarthy (Stackstown) 77 77 75, Darragh Hobbs (Courtown) 76 79 74, Gary Ward (Kinsale) 72 79 78, Ryan Corry (Clandeboye) 72 78 79

230 Jonathan Greer (Greenisland) 79 72 79, William Small (Tandragee) 77 76 77, Luke Cummins (West Waterford) 74 78 78

231 Ted Collins (Dun Laoghaire) 81 75 75, Gonzalo Leon (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 78 77 76, Harry Mcgeary (Dungannon) 77 76 78, Philip O'Sullivan (Malone) 76 78 77, Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick) 76 76 79, David McAleenon (Edenmore) 73 86 72

232 Patrick Brennan (Belvoir Park) 77 78 77, Mark Healy (Kinsale) 76 81 75, Alec Myles (Newlands) 72 75 85

233 Glen Mowat (Enniskillen) 80 78 75

234 Mark McKenna (Dun Laoghaire) 77 81 76

235 Paul Murphy (Rosslare) 79 81 75

236 Bill Murray (Waterford Castle) 78 77 81

237 Simon Irwin (Holywood) 80 77 80

238 Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass) 80 80 78, Cillian Moloney (Fota Island) 80 80 78, Craig Bolger (Carlow) 77 80 81

239 Jake Whelan (Newlands) 76 82 81

240 Conor Stone (Carton House) 80 82 78, Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis) 78 83 79

241 Chris Williams () 76 83 82

242 Michael Kennelly (Athenry) 74 85 83

244 Ryan Thompson (Greenacres) 82 80 82, Ashley Emerson (Ardglass) 82 75 87, Cathal Nolan (Galway) 75 86 83

246 Louis O'Hara (Athenry) 75 83 88

255 Shane Hogan (The Heritage Golf Club) 83 84 88

DQ/WD  Dylan Brophy (Castleknock) 76 82 DQ, Sean Denny (Castleblayney) 78 83 DQ, Jack McClean (Tandragee) 86 80 DQ, Adam Harkness (Malone) 85 82 DQ, Darragh Fitzgerald (Limerick) DQ , Darragh O'Connor (Fota Island) DQ , Shane Mcclean (Foyle) 78 75 WD, Ben Graham (Scrabo) 73 80 WD, Liam Bresnahan (Omagh) 75 79 WD, James Maginn (Mourne) 77 82 WD, Jack Mc Donnell (Forrest Little.) 78 82 WD, David Brady (Co. Sligo) 81 82 WD, Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint) 86 NR WD, WD

Overall leaderboard 

209 Alex Gleeson (Castle) 71 69 69

213 Ross Dutton (Tandragee) 72 71 70, Rory Williamson (Holywood) 68 72 73, Eugene Smith (Ardee) 67 73 73

215 Paul McCarthy (Mallow) 72 73 70, Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) 71 73 71, Ronan Mullarney (Galway) 69 73 73

216 Tom Beasley (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 71 69, Mark Power (Kilkenny) 76 70 70, John Cleary (Elm Park) 69 75 72

217 Tommy O'Driscoll (Killarney) 75 73 69

218 Cameron Franssen (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 70 74, Neil McKinstry (Cairndhu) 73 74 71

219 Adam Mulhall (Ardglass) 75 69 75, Peter Fleming (Galway) 74 74 71, Jack Walsh (Castle) 71 74 74

220 Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 75 72 73, Owen Crooks (Bushfoot) 74 76 70, Devin Morley (Oughterard) 74 74 72, Jonathan Yates (Naas) 73 74 73, John Murphy (Kinsale) 73 71 76, Rowan Lester (Hermitage) 70 74 76

221 Matthew McGowan (Donegal Golf Club) 76 72 73, Kyle McCarron (North West) 76 72 73, Ryan O'Doherty (Enniscrone) 75 73 73, Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush) 74 77 70, George Burns (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 75 72, Cameron Raymond (Newlands) 72 75 74, Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) 72 74 75, Ryan Long (Cairndhu) 70 70 81

222 Adam McCormick () 77 73 72, Timmy Broderick (Kinsale) 75 71 76, Kevin Power (Kilkenny) 74 75 73, Dean Crawford (Moyola Park) 73 79 70, Alan Lowry (Esker Hills) 73 77 72, Stuart Bleakley (Shandon Park) 71 75 76

223 Eoin O'Brien (Clontarf) 79 72 72, Peter Cummins (Lurgan) 77 72 74, Rory Murphy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 76 72, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 75 73 75, Hugh O'Hare (Fortwilliam) 75 72 76, Ronan O'Callaghan (Mannan Castle) 72 77 74, Ross Nelson (Belvoir Park) 72 77 74

224 Alastair McQuillan (Cushendall) 74 77 73, Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) 72 76 76, Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick) 71 78 75

225 Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock) 78 73 74, Timothy Jordan (Dungannon) 77 74 74, Colm Hughes (Galway) 76 74 75, Sean Flanagan (Co. Sligo) 73 77 75, Joe Carmody-Firth () 72 79 74, Ross Steedman (Balcarrick) 72 77 76, Marc Nolan (Delgany) 70 76 79

226 Henry Clark (Shandon Park) 79 71 76, Harry Duggan (Kilkenny) 75 77 74, Peter McKeever (Castle) 75 77 74, Andrew Clegg (Donaghadee) 73 76 77, Matthew Murphy (Clandeboye) 72 78 76, Liam Grehan (Mullingar) 72 77 77, Monty Scowsill () 72 75 79

227 Max Thallon (Bangor) 82 70 75, Mark Morrissey (Mount Wolseley) 78 76 73, Reece Black (Hilton Templepatrick) 78 72 77, Sean Walsh (Carton House) 76 81 70, Paul Tobin (Cork) 75 73 79, Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan) 75 73 79, Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo) 73 73 81, Micheal Shiel (Athenry) 71 78 78

228 Oisin Devereux (Carton House) 79 79 70, Gareth Carr (Mullingar) 75 77 76, James Lindsay (North West) 75 71 82

229 John McCarthy (Stackstown) 77 77 75, Darragh Hobbs (Courtown) 76 79 74, Gary Ward (Kinsale) 72 79 78, Ryan Corry (Clandeboye) 72 78 79

230 Jonathan Greer (Greenisland) 79 72 79, William Small (Tandragee) 77 76 77, Luke Cummins (West Waterford) 74 78 78

231 Evan Farrell (Ardee) 81 77 73, Ted Collins (Dun Laoghaire) 81 75 75, Gonzalo Leon (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 78 77 76, Harry Mcgeary (Dungannon) 77 76 78, Philip O'Sullivan (Malone) 76 78 77, Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick) 76 76 79, David McAleenon (Edenmore) 73 86 72

232 Patrick Brennan (Belvoir Park) 77 78 77, Mark Healy (Kinsale) 76 81 75, David McLellan (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 77 79, Alec Myles (Newlands) 72 75 85

233 Glen Mowat (Enniskillen) 80 78 75

234 Mark McKenna (Dun Laoghaire) 77 81 76

235 Paul Murphy (Rosslare) 79 81 75, Marie Danielson (University of St Andrews Ladies Golf Club) 77 82 76

236 Bill Murray (Waterford Castle) 78 77 81

237 Simon Irwin (Holywood) 80 77 80

238 Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass) 80 80 78, Cillian Moloney (Fota Island) 80 80 78, Craig Bolger (Carlow) 77 80 81

239 Jake Whelan (Newlands) 76 82 81

240 Conor Stone (Carton House) 80 82 78, Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis) 78 83 79

241 Chris Williams () 76 83 82

242 Michael Kennelly (Athenry) 74 85 83

244 Ryan Thompson (Greenacres) 82 80 82, Ashley Emerson (Ardglass) 82 75 87, Cathal Nolan (Galway) 75 86 83

246 Louis O'Hara (Athenry) 75 83 88

255 Shane Hogan (The Heritage Golf Club) 83 84 88
NR  Gareth Mann (Tullamore) NR

DQ Dylan Brophy (Castleknock) 76 82 DQ, Sean Denny (Castleblayney) 78 83 DQ, Jack McClean (Tandragee) 86 80 DQ, Adam Harkness (Malone) 85 82 DQ, Darragh O'Connor (Fota Island) DQ , Darragh Fitzgerald (Limerick) DQ , Luke Robinson (Bundoran) DQ ,

WD Shane Mcclean (Foyle) 78 75 WD, Ben Graham (Scrabo) 73 80 WD, Liam Bresnahan (Omagh) 75 79 WD, Colin Woodroofe (Blainroe) 76 80 WD, James Maginn (Mourne) 77 82 WD, Jack Mc Donnell (Forrest Little.) 78 82 WD, David Brady (Co. Sligo) 81 82 WD, Cian Kidney (Lee Valley) 85 91 WD, Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint) 86 NR WD, Jack Blake (The Island) 83 WD , WD.

Olivia Mehaffey, Picture: Pat Cashman

Olivia Makes History

Olivia Mehaffey, the 17‐year‐old from Royal County Down Ladies’ Golf Club, has became the first Irish golfer to win the Ladies Golf Union (LGU) Order of Merit.

Olivia, who is set to head to Arizona State University at the end of next year, gains a full exemption to next year’s Ricoh Women’s British Open at Woburn. 

Ranked 19th in the world, Olivia began her season by winning three events in a row — the Irish Girls' U18 Open Strokeplay, the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship and the Welsh Ladies Open Stroke Play Championship before finishing runner up in the Irish Women’s Close, reaching the semi-finals of the Ladies British Open and then taking second in the British Ladies Stroke Play at Moortown. 

Jacques Leglise Trophy — Great Britain & Ireland lead 6.5-5.5 against the Continent of Europe after the opening day of the Jacques Leglise Trophy at Royal Dornoch.Co Louth's Thomas Mulligan partnered England's Marco Penge in the top match of the morning foursomes but they went down 5&4 to Norwegian pair Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Reitan.Mulligan suffered a 5&3 reverse to Hovland in the singles but GB&I took 3.5 points from the singles to take a slender one-point lead overnight.

Brian Casey

Europro Tour — Headfort's Brian Casey birdied two of his last three holes to rescue a disappointing day in the  Clipper Logistics Players Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds.

Full Leaderboard

As England's Elson carded a third-round 68, to move into a one-stroke lead over Mark Laskey on six under, overnight leader Casey shot a three over 74 to fall back to tied fifth.

The Headfort player is four strokes off the pace having made five bogeys in his first 10 holes.

But he rallied over the last seven, dropping just one more shot at the 14th to go with birdies at the 12th, 16th and 17th.

The final round of the 72-hole event takes place on Saturday and the winner will take home £12,000 from the increased £60,000 prize fund.

Casey will be hoping to finish on a high as he prepares to play on an invitation and make his European Tour debut in next week's M2M Russian Open.

Alan Dunbar (71) is tied 15th on level with Jonny Caldwell (76) 49th on five over.

Damian Mooney

Ballyliffin's Damian Mooney and home favourite Gavin Lunny shared first prize at the Naas Pro-Am on Friday.

Mooney and  Lunny carded two under par rounds of 69 to finish one shot ahead of Waterville's David Higgins at the Co Kildare venue.

Mooney, a recent winner at the Killeen Pro-Am, played his opening nine holes in one under par 35. 

He dropped a shot at the 10th, but bounced back with birdies at the 13th and 15th. Another dropped shot followed at the par four 16thbefore he wrapped up his round with a birde at the last to come home in one under 35.

Lunny meanwhile, left it late in his quest for the top. The 'home' professional was struggling on one over par after 14 holes before finishing in style, collecting birdies at the 15th, 17th and 18th to come home in three under 33.

Malahide's John Murray guided his amateur partners to victory in the team event with 91 points.

Naas Pro-Am, Naas GC (Par 71)

Detailed scores

1 D Mooney (Ballyliffin); Gavin Lunny (Naas GC) 69

3 D Higgins (Waterville GC) 70

T4 L Bowler (Wexford GC); B McGovern (Headfort GC); N Murray (Massereene GC) 71

T7 J Dwyer (Ashbourne GC); J Murray (Malahide GC); D Lernihan (Elm Park GC); S McMonagle (Dunfanaghy GC) 72

T11 G Robinson; J Bolger (Wexford GC); M Staunton (Delgany GC); H Kavanagh (Carr Golf Services) 73

Team scores

1 J Murray 91

2 P Masterson 88

Brian Casey. Picture: Europro Tour

Europro Tour — Headfort's Brian Casey carded a seven under 64 to take a one-stroke lead into the last two rounds of the Clipper Logistics Players Championship at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds.

Full Leaderboard | Round Three Tee Times

After finishing second in the Tree of Life Championship at Close House last week, Casey made an eagle and six birdies against just one bogey to lead on eight under from Greg Payne, James Ablett, Chris Halley and Marcus Armitage, who pipped him to the title in Northumberland,

“My goal today was to go out and pick my shots and make sure I controlled it in the wind, because yesterday I let a few shots slip and that cost me,” said Casey, who has been handed an invitation to next week's M2M Russian Open in Moscow. "Overall I am happy to get another under-par round in and I am looking forward to tomorrow.

“I have been in good form and have some good things to look forward to; I am playing Russia next week for my first start on the European Tour. I have been building towards that and the second place last week has really helped.

“Playing 72 holes suits me. I think it suits everybody because it gives you an extra chance to hit some form during the week.”

Casey had begun the day on the provisional cut mark but quickly moved away from that with a birdie at the 11th and an eagle at 12, having started on the 10th tee.

Two more birdies came at 16 and 17 to see him go out in 31 and he broke par three times on his closing nine, with a bogey at the 7th his only blemish.

Alan Dunbar and Tim Rice are five strokes behind Casey on 142.

Alex Gleeson (Castle) driving at the 11th tee in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

Castle's Alex Gleeson can make up for last weekend's Irish Close final disappointment when he takes a share of the lead into Friday's final day in the Irish Youths Championship at Moyola Park.

Played in conjunction with the Irish Colleges Invitational, the UCD player added a 69 to his opening 71 to share top spot in the Youths competition on two under with Cairndhu's Ryan Long (70 70) and Holywood's Rory Williamson (68 72), two clear of Galway's Ronan Mullarney (69 73).

Gleeson also shares top spot in the Irish Colleges invitational with Ardee's Eugene Smith, who carded a two over 73 on Thursday.

In the Irish Colleges Invitational, UCD lead by two lead from Maynooth B on 287 with Ulster University A, Maynooth A and Ulster University C three off the pace on 290.

Ryan Long (Cairndhu) driving at the 17th tee in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

Tommy O'Driscoll (Killarney) putting at the 17th green. Picture by Pat Cashman

John Murphy (Kinsale) lining up his putt on the 16th green in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Rory Williamson (Holywood) bunkered at the 16th in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

David Brady (Co Sligo) playing to the 15th green in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship. Picture by Pat Cashman

Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock) holes his putt on the 18th green in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Irish Youths & Irish Colleges Invitational Championships, Moyola Park (Par 71)
(Scroll to bottom for Irish Youths scoreboard ONLY)

Detailed scores

Third round tee times - Klaxon start

Overall 

140 Alex Gleeson (Castle) 71 69, Ryan Long (Cairndhu) 70 70, Rory Williamson (Holywood) 68 72, Eugene Smith (Ardee) 67 73 

142 Ronan Mullarney (Galway) 69 73 

143 Ross Dutton (Tandragee) 72 71

144 Adam Mulhall (Ardglass) 75 69, Cameron Franssen (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 70, John Murphy (Kinsale) 73 71, Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) 71 73, Rowan Lester (Hermitage) 70 74, John Cleary (Elm Park) 69 75

145 Paul McCarthy (Mallow) 72 73, Jack Walsh (Castle) 71 74

146 Mark Power (Kilkenny) 76 70, Timmy Broderick (Kinsale) 75 71, James Lindsay (North West) 75 71, Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo) 73 73, Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) 72 74, Stuart Bleakley (Shandon Park) 71 75, Marc Nolan (Delgany) 70 76

147 Tom Beasley (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 71, Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 75 72, Hugh O’Hare (Fortwilliam) 75 72, Jonathan Yates (Naas) 73 74, Neil McKinstry (Cairndhu) 73 74, Monty Scowsill () 72 75, Alec Myles (Newlands) 72 75, Cameron Raymond (Newlands) 72 75

148 Kyle McCarron (North West) 76 72, Matthew McGowan (Donegal Golf Club) 76 72, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 75 73, Paul Tobin (Cork) 75 73, Ryan O'Doherty (Enniscrone) 75 73, Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan) 75 73, Tommy O’Driscoll (Killarney) 75 73, Devin Morley (Oughterard) 74 74, Peter Fleming (Galway) 74 74, Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) 72 76

149 Peter Cummins (Lurgan) 77 72, George Burns (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 75, Kevin Power (Kilkenny) 74 75, Andrew Clegg (Donaghadee) 73 76, Ronan O’Callaghan (Mannan Castle) 72 77, Ross Nelson (Belvoir Park) 72 77, Liam Grehan (Mullingar) 72 77, Ross Steedman (Balcarrick) 72 77, Micheal Shiel (Athenry) 71 78, Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick) 71 78

150 Henry Clark (Shandon Park) 79 71, Reece Black (Hilton Templepatrick) 78 72, Adam McCormick () 77 73, Colm Hughes (Galway) 76 74, Owen Crooks (Bushfoot) 74 76, Alan Lowry (Esker Hills) 73 77, Sean Flanagan (Co. Sligo) 73 77, Matthew Murphy (Clandeboye) 72 78, Ryan Corry (Clandeboye) 72 78

151 Eoin O’Brien (Clontarf) 79 72, Jonathan Greer (Greenisland) 79 72, Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock) 78 73, Timothy Jordan (Dungannon) 77 74, Rory Murphy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 76, Alastair McQuillan (Cushendall) 74 77, Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush) 74 77, Joe Carmody-Firth () 72 79, Gary Ward (Kinsale) 72 79

152 Max Thallon (Bangor) 82 70, Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick) 76 76, Gareth Carr (Mullingar) 75 77, Peter McKeever (Castle) 75 77, Harry Duggan (Kilkenny) 75 77, Luke Cummins (West Waterford) 74 78, Dean Crawford (Moyola Park) 73 79 

153 Shane Mcclean (Foyle) 78 75, Harry Mcgeary (Dungannon) 77 76, William Small (Tandragee) 77 76, David McLellan (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 77, Ben Graham (Scrabo) 73 80 

154 Mark Morrissey (Mount Wolseley) 78 76, John McCarthy (Stackstown) 77 77, Philip O’Sullivan (Malone) 76 78, Liam Bresnahan (Omagh) 75 79

155 Gonzalo Leon (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 78 77, Bill Murray (Waterford Castle) 78 77, Patrick Brennan (Belvoir Park) 77 78, Darragh Hobbs (Courtown) 76 79

156 Ted Collins (Dun Laoghaire) 81 75, Colin Woodroofe (Blainroe) 76 80

157 Ashley Emerson (Ardglass) 82 75, Simon Irwin (Holywood) 80 77, Craig Bolger (Carlow) 77 80, Mark Healy (Kinsale) 76 81, Sean Walsh (Carton House) 76 81

158 Evan Farrell (Ardee) 81 77, Glen Mowat (Enniskillen) 80 78, Oisin Devereux (Carton House) 79 79, Mark McKenna (Dun Laoghaire) 77 81, Dylan Brophy (Castleknock) 76 82, Jake Whelan (Newlands) 76 82, Louis O’Hara (Athenry) 75 83

159 Marie Danielson (University of St Andrews Ladies Golf Club ) 77 82, James Maginn (Mourne) 77 82, Chris Williams () 76 83, Michael Kennelly (Athenry) 74 85, David McAleenon (Edenmore) 73 86

160 Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass) 80 80, Cillian Moloney (Fota Island) 80 80, Paul Murphy (Rosslare) 79 81, Jack Mc Donnell (Forrest Little.) 78 82

161 Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis) 78 83, Sean Denny (Castleblayney) 78 83, Cathal Nolan (Galway) 75 86

162 Ryan Thompson (Greenacres) 82 80, Conor Stone (Carton House) 80 82

163 David Brady (Co. Sligo) 81 82

166 Jack McClean (Tandragee) 86 80

167 Adam Harkness (Malone) 85 82, Shane Hogan (The Heritage Golf Club) 83 84

176 Cian Kidney (Lee Valley) 85 91

NR Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint) 86 NR, Gareth Mann (Tullamore) NR, 

DQ Darragh Fitzgerald (Limerick) DQ, Darragh O’Connor (Fota Island) DQ, Luke Robinson (Bundoran) DQ, Jack Blake (The Island) 83 WD

 

Irish Youths Amateur Open, Moyola Park (Par 71)

142 Ronan Mullarney (Galway) 69 73 

143 Ross Dutton (Tandragee) 72 71

144 Adam Mulhall (Ardglass) 75 69, Cameron Franssen (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 70, John Murphy (Kinsale) 73 71, Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee) 71 73, Rowan Lester (Hermitage) 70 74, John Cleary (Elm Park) 69 75

145 Paul McCarthy (Mallow) 72 73, Jack Walsh (Castle) 71 74 

146 Mark Power (Kilkenny) 76 70, Timmy Broderick (Kinsale) 75 71, Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo) 73 73, Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) 72 74, Stuart Bleakley (Shandon Park) 71 75, Marc Nolan (Delgany) 70 76

147 Tom Beasley (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 76 71, Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 75 72, Hugh O’Hare (Fortwilliam) 75 72, Neil McKinstry (Cairndhu) 73 74, Monty Scowsill () 72 75, Alec Myles (Newlands) 72 75 , Cameron Raymond (Newlands) 72 75, 

148 Kyle McCarron (North West) 76 72, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 75 73, Paul Tobin (Cork) 75 73, Ryan O'Doherty (Enniscrone) 75 73, Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan) 75 73, Tommy O’Driscoll (Killarney) 75 73, Devin Morley (Oughterard) 74 74, Peter Fleming (Galway) 74 74, Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) 72 76

149 Peter Cummins (Lurgan) 77 72, George Burns (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 74 75, Kevin Power (Kilkenny) 74 75, Andrew Clegg (Donaghadee) 73 76, Ronan O’Callaghan (Mannan Castle) 72 77, Ross Nelson (Belvoir Park) 72 77, Liam Grehan (Mullingar) 72 77, Ross Steedman (Balcarrick) 72 77, Micheal Shiel (Athenry) 71 78, Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick) 71 78 

150 Henry Clark (Shandon Park) 79 71, Reece Black (Hilton Templepatrick) 78 72, Adam McCormick () 77 73, Colm Hughes (Galway) 76 74, Owen Crooks (Bushfoot) 74 76, Sean Flanagan (Co. Sligo) 73 77, Ryan Corry (Clandeboye) 72 78

151 Jonathan Greer (Greenisland) 79 72, Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock) 78 73, Rory Murphy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 76, Alastair McQuillan (Cushendall) 74 77, Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush) 74 77, Joe Carmody-Firth () 72 79 , Gary Ward (Kinsale) 72 79,

152 Max Thallon (Bangor) 82 70, Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick) 76 76, Gareth Carr (Mullingar) 75 77, Peter McKeever (Castle) 75 77, Harry Duggan (Kilkenny) 75 77, Luke Cummins (West Waterford) 74 78, Dean Crawford (Moyola Park) 73 79

153 Shane Mcclean (Foyle) 78 75, Harry Mcgeary (Dungannon) 77 76, William Small (Tandragee) 77 76, Ben Graham (Scrabo) 73 80 

154 John McCarthy (Stackstown) 77 77, Philip O’Sullivan (Malone) 76 78, Liam Bresnahan (Omagh) 75 79

155 Gonzalo Leon (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club) 78 77, Bill Murray (Waterford Castle) 78 77, Patrick Brennan (Belvoir Park) 77 78, Darragh Hobbs (Courtown) 76 79

156 Ted Collins (Dun Laoghaire) 81 75, Colin Woodroofe (Blainroe) 76 80 

157 Ashley Emerson (Ardglass) 82 75, Simon Irwin (Holywood) 80 77, Craig Bolger (Carlow) 77 80, Mark Healy (Kinsale) 76 81, Sean Walsh (Carton House) 76 81

158 Glen Mowat (Enniskillen) 80 78, Oisin Devereux (Carton House) 79 79, Mark McKenna (Dun Laoghaire) 77 81, Dylan Brophy (Castleknock) 76 82, Jake Whelan (Newlands) 76 82, Louis O’Hara (Athenry) 75 83

159 James Maginn (Mourne) 77 82, Chris Williams () 76 83, Michael Kennelly (Athenry) 74 85, David McAleenon (Edenmore) 73 86

160 Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass) 80 80, Cillian Moloney (Fota Island) 80 80, Paul Murphy (Rosslare) 79 81, Jack Mc Donnell (Forrest Little.) 78 82

161 Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis) 78 83, Sean Denny (Castleblayney) 78 83, Cathal Nolan (Galway) 75 86

162 Ryan Thompson (Greenacres) 82 80

163 David Brady (Co. Sligo) 81 82

167 Shane Hogan (The Heritage Golf Club) 83 84 

NR Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint) 86 NR

DQ Darragh Fitzgerald (Limerick) DQ, Darragh O’Connor (Fota Island) DQ 

Renato Paratore. Picture: Getty Images

Michael Hoey leads the Irish challenge in the D+D REAL Czech Masters where an eagle two at the 18th handed Eduardo de la Riva a share of the first round lead with Italian teenager Renato Paratore.

The Belfast man made seven birdies in a five under 67 worth a share of seventh place, two strokes behind de la Riva and Paratore, who posted seven under 65s, on a day when all five Irishmen in action broke par at Albatross Golf Resort.

After reaching the turn in 34, the Spaniard caught fire on the back nine, firing birdies on the tenth, 11th and 12th before closing his round with an eagle two at the last to join playing partner Paratore, 18, at the top of the leaderboard.

He said: “It is very good to finish with a two on a par four, especially on this 18th hole which is very difficult.  I didn’t have to take a putt on the 18th, so it is a very good finish. It is perfection.

"I played very well in Denmark for the first two rounds and then at the weekend, on the greens I putted very badly. 

"I feel good. Today I putted well and the long and short game were good too. It is a nice course and nice weather. The course is in good condition. 

“Renato and I are friends. He is a very good young player and it is nice to play with him.”

Paratore carded seven birdies on his way to a flawless 65, his best score on the European Tour to date.

The Italian youngster, who very nearly shot a hole in one at the 16th, was thrilled with his score.

He said: "Today I played really solid from the tee to the green and on the back nine I putted really well.  So I’m happy with a 65. It is my best round on the European Tour.”

Simon Thornton, 237th in the Race to Dubai with only the Top 110 earning cards, shot a 69 to share 20th on three under with 44-year old Damien McGrane, who is 183rd in the money list.

Kevin Phelan, who at 105th in the Race to Dubai still needs some good finishes to regain his card, is tied 38th after a 70.

But it was more of a battle for 117th ranked Peter Lawrie, who had to scramble well to post a one under 71 for a share of 52nd.

Complete first round scores (par 72)

65 E De La Riva (Esp), R Paratore (Ita)

66 T Pieters (Bel), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), P Edberg (Swe), S Hutsby (Eng)

67 M Foster (Eng), S Jamieson (Sco), M Hoey (Nir), K Broberg (Swe), P Oriol (Esp), T Olesen (Den), J Garcia Pinto (Esp), R Kakko (Fin)

68 D Im (USA), B Ritthammer (Ger), P Relecom (Bel), L Slattery (Eng), C Lee (Sco)

69 J Lagergren (Swe), D McGrane (Irl), E Pepperell (Eng), F Praegant (Aut), R Dinwiddie (Eng), C Paisley (Eng), J Barnes (Eng), S Thornton (Irl), F Mruzek (Cze), C Doak (Sco), J McLeary (Sco), D Brooks (Eng), S Wakefield (Eng), F Fritsch (Ger), D Dixon (Eng), D Drysdale (Sco), G Boyd (Eng), S Henry (Sco)

70 P Whiteford (Sco), P Uihlein (USA), D Horsey (Eng), R Karlberg (Swe), J Parry (Eng), C Bouniol (Fra), G Bourdy (Fra), R Finch (Eng), J Sjöholm (Swe), G Storm (Eng), D Fichardt (RSA), K Phelan (Irl), P Meesawat (Tha), C Del Moral (Esp)

71 M Decottignies-Lafon (Fra), A Saddier (Fra), B Evans (Eng), P Hanson (Swe), P Lawrie (Irl), D Lipsky (USA), A Tadini (Ita), M Tullo (Chi), S Griffiths (Eng), S Hansen (Den), M Ford (Eng), J Lara (Esp), J Makitalo (Fin), E Espana (Fra), V Riu (Fra), J Walters (RSA), A Pavan (Ita), A Hansen (Den), S Kapur (Ind), H Otto (RSA), T Lewis (Eng), J Knutzon (USA), M Madsen (Den), L Jensen (Den), O Fisher (Eng)

72 M Schneider (Ger), R Gonzalez (Arg), S Chawrasia (Ind), J Hahn (USA), S Kim (USA), T Murray (Eng), G Porteous (Eng), J Scrivener (Aus), A Wall (Eng), A Otaegui (Esp), O Henningsson (Swe), M Lundberg (Swe), B Hebert (Fra), V Dubuisson (Fra), C Shinkwin (Eng), G Bhullar (Ind), C Arendell (USA), B Stow (Eng), D Stewart (Sco), N Holman (Aus)

73 M Jonzon (Swe), D Suchan (Cze), R Fox (Nzl), T Pilkadaris (Aus), J Edfors (Swe), R Bland (Eng), S Fallon (Eng), A Velasco (Esp), S Dodd (Wal), S Benson (Eng), N Quintarelli (Ita), R Evans (Eng), P Maddy (Eng), J Lando Casanova (Fra), S Matus (Cze), P Peterson (USA), R Coles (Eng), N Colsaerts (Bel), M Lampert (Ger), V Novak (am) (Cze)

74 N Fasth (Swe), C Lloyd (Eng), O Farr (Wal), M Novy (Cze), B Dredge (Wal), A Hortal (Esp), D Gaunt (Aus), C Pigem (Esp), D Woltman (USA), J Roos (RSA), M Bremner (RSA), M Nixon (Eng), A Ahokas (Fin)

75 P Archer (Eng), V Phillips (Eng), A Korinek (Cze), C Suk (Cze), M Korhonen (Fin), A Rajmont (Cze), J Morrison (Eng), T Van Der Walt (RSA), M Crespi (Ita), M Brezovsky (am) (Svk)

76 J Colomo (Esp), L Bjerregaard (Den), J Singh (Ind), P Gal (Cze)

77 J Huldahl (Den), D Van Tonder (RSA), R McEvoy (Eng), L Tintera (Cze), J Janda (Cze)

78 R McGowan (Eng), R Santos (Por)

79 A Gee (Eng), E Goya (Arg), M Pospisil (am) (Cze)

80 A Pavlov (Rus), P Dedek (am) (Cze), J Friesz (am) (Svk)

Jordan Spieth birdies his seventh hole at The Barclays.

World No 1 Jordan Spieth crashed to a 74 as Dubliner Pádraig Harrington struggled to a three over par 73 in the first event of the FedEx Cup playoffs — The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey.

Ranked 87th in the standings as the top 125 points winners lined up in New Jersey, Harrington was projected to fall outside the top 100 who qualify for the second playoff event, the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston, next week.

It perhaps more surprising to see Spieth struggle—especially after he turned in two under par—lurching home in six over 40 for a 74 that leaves him in danger of handling his world No 1 ranking back to the absentee Rory McIlroy if finishes worse than solo 14th.

As he finished, Spieth was tied 88th though those hoping to see McIlroy return to No 1 may be aware that Spieth is ranked first for second round scoring on the PGA Tour this season.

After a solid outward half featuring birdies at the 10th and 16th, Masters and Open champion SPieth had a horrific back nine with bogeys at the first, second (three-putt), fifth (greenside bunker) and seventh (left tee shot in fairway bunker) and ninth (theee-putt) and a double bogey at the third (water), offset only by a solitary birdie from four feet at the fourth.

While he parred the first two holes, Harrington missed 8 foter for birdie at the first and, according to Shotlink, hit a four-foot birdie try some seven feet at the second.

A double bogey five at the par-three third, where he was in the water hazard off the tee, was offset by a birdie from five feet at the fourth.

But he made just one more birdie after that and dropped three more shots as he hit just 28 percent of the fairways.

His par at the fifth summed up his day — a wild drive, a recovery to 149 yard followed by a a 21 foot par putt.

But there were too many mistakes and he missed from seven feet for par after a pushed drive at the eighth and followed a tap in birdie after a 123-yard approach to the 10th with bogeys at the par-three 11th and 14th.

Spieth could lose his world No 1 ranking to an absentee Rory McIlroy if he No.1 watch he finishes worse than solo 14th.

As Spieth and Harrington struggled, Bubba Watson set the pace with a five under 65 featuring a bogey at the last, one better than Danny Lee with Camilo Villegas six under late in his round.

Eugene Smith (Ardee) driving at the 15th tee in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

Maynooth University's Eugene Smith continued his run of good form by grabbing the clubhouse lead in the weather-delayed Irish Colleges Invitational—an event being played in tandem with the Irish Youths Championship— at Moyola Park.

The Cavan native, who was a beat semi-finalist in the AIG Irish Amateur Close last Saturday, fired a four under 67 to lead by one.

Although play was delayed by 90 minutes because of heavy rain overnight, Smith made five birdies on his front nine, posting a 67 to lead by one from Hollywood teenager Rory Williamson (68), who is leading the race for the Irish Youths (under-21) from Elm Park's John Cleary and Galway's Ronan Mullarney, who both shot 69.

As a result of the morning delay, the final group did not complete their first round. Castle's Alex Gleeson, the beaten Irish Close finalist who is also representing UCD this week, was three under while  Hermitage international Rowan Lester, was one under.

They will resume their first rounds on the 16th on Thursday at 8am,

In the colleges event, Maynooth University's A team lead on 140 thanks to Smith's 67 and a choice of 73s from Alan Lowry and Sean Flanagan with two of three scores count each day.

Maynooth's C team are second on 143 —Jack Walsh posted a 71 and Gary Ward came in with a 72. Other colleges competing include St Andrews from Scotland and the University of Exeter as well as NUIG, UCC, UCD, UUJ and Queens.

Rowan Lester (Hermitage) playing at the 10th hole in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park Golf. Picture by Pat Cashman

Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee/UU) reactsto a missed putt on the 9th green in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

John Cleary (Elm Park) driving at the 15th tee in the Irish Youths Open & Irish Colleges Invitational Championship at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

Alex Gleeson (Castle) playing at the 10th hole. Picture by Pat Cashman

Eugene Smith (Ardee) pitching to the 14th green. Picture by Pat Cashman

Irish Youths & Irish Colleges Invitational Championships, Moyola Park (Par 71)

Play suspended in Round 1 with final group finishing tomorrow morning at 8am.

Colleges standings, click here

Detailed scores

67 Eugene Smith (Ardee)

68 Rory Williamson (Holywood) [Rowan Lester (Hermitage) -3/15]

69 John Cleary (Elm Park), Ronan Mullarney (Galway)

70 Ryan Long (Cairndhu), Marc Nolan (Delgany) [Alex Gleeson (Castle) -1/15]

71 Gavin Fitzmaurice (Balcarrick), Micheal Shiel (Athenry), Jack Walsh (Castle), Stuart Bleakley (Shandon Park), Stefan Greenberg (Tandragee)

72 Paul McCarthy (Mallow), Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu), Liam Grehan (Mullingar), Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint), Cameron Raymond (Newlands), Ronan O'Callaghan (Mannan Castle), Gary Ward (Kinsale), Ross Steedman (Balcarrick), Ross Dutton (Tandragee), Monty Scowsill (), Ross Nelson (Belvoir Park), Ryan Corry (Clandeboye), Alec Myles (Newlands), Joe Carmody-Firth (), Matthew Murphy (Clandeboye)

73 Sean Flanagan (Co. Sligo), Neil McKinstry (Cairndhu), Alan Lowry (Esker Hills), Jonathan Yates (Naas), Andrew Clegg (Donaghadee), Cian Feeney (Co. Sligo), Dean Crawford (Moyola Park), David McAleenon (Edenmore), John Murphy (Kinsale), Ben Graham (Scrabo)

74 Alastair McQuillan (Cushendall), Michael Kennelly (Athenry), Luke Cummins (West Waterford), George Burns (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club), Cameron Franssen (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club), Devin Morley (Oughterard), Peter Kerr (Royal Portrush), Kevin Power (Kilkenny), Owen Crooks (Bushfoot), Peter Fleming (Galway)

75 Tommy O'Driscoll (Killarney), Harry Duggan (Kilkenny), Cathal Nolan (Galway), Timmy Broderick (Kinsale), Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle), James Lindsay (North West), Gareth Carr (Mullingar), Shane McDermott (Co. Cavan), Paul Tobin (Cork), Louis O'Hara (Athenry), Liam Bresnahan (Omagh), Hugh O'Hare (Fortwilliam), Darragh Flynn (Carton House), Rory Murphy (Dun Laoghaire), Adam Mulhall (Ardglass), Peter McKeever (Castle), Ryan O'Doherty (Enniscrone)

76 Jake Whelan (Newlands), Mark Power (Kilkenny), Colin Woodroofe (Blainroe), Dylan Brophy (Castleknock), Philip O'Sullivan (Malone), Jordan Logue (Hilton Templepatrick), David McLellan (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club), Tom Beasley (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club), Colm Hughes (Galway), Matthew McGowan (Donegal Golf Club), Sean Walsh (Carton House), Mark Healy (Kinsale), Kyle McCarron (North West), Chris Williams (), Darragh Hobbs (Courtown) [Patrick Brennan (Belvoir Park) +5/15]

77 James Maginn (Mourne), Marie Danielson (University of St Andrews Ladies Golf Club ), William Small (Tandragee), Adam McCormick (), Peter Cummins (Lurgan), John McCarthy (Stackstown), Mark McKenna (Dun Laoghaire), Timothy Jordan (Dungannon), Harry McGeary (Dungannon), Craig Bolger (Carlow)

78 Sean Denny (Castleblayney), Shane Mcclean (Foyle), Andrew Hickey (Ballyhaunis), Bill Murray (Waterford Castle), Jack Mc Donnell (Forrest Little.), Mark Morrissey (Mount Wolseley), Reece Black (Hilton Templepatrick), Gonzalo Leon (University of St Andrews Mens Golf Club), Andrew Mulholland (Castlerock)

79 Henry Clark (Shandon Park), Jonathan Greer (Greenisland), Eoin O'Brien (Clontarf), Paul Murphy (Rosslare), Oisin Devereux (Carton House)

80 Glen Mowat (Enniskillen), Matthew Fitzsimons (Ardglass), Cillian Moloney (Fota Island), Conor Stone (Carton House), Simon Irwin (Holywood)

81 Evan Farrell (Ardee), David Brady (Co. Sligo), Ted Collins (Dun Laoghaire)

82 Max Thallon (Bangor), Ryan Thompson (Greenacres), Ashley Emerson (Ardglass)

83 Shane Hogan (The Heritage Golf Club), Jack Blake (The Island)

85 Adam Harkness (Malone), Cian Kidney (Lee Valley)

86 Jason Murphy (Warrenpoint), Jack McClean (Tandragee)

NR Gareth Mann (Tullamore)

DQ Darragh Fitzgerald (Limerick), Darragh O'Connor (Fota Island), Luke Robinson (Bundoran)

Pinky and the Brain. Or Pádraig Harrington and Ronan Flood (or vice versa)

Pádraig Harrington turns 44 on Monday next but he's still got that childlike innocence about the game even if he claims the years have made him more of a cynic.

Battling to shake off that seemingly inevitable, 20-year, best-before-date curse that says that a golfer's career lasts two decades and the rest is decadence, he still loves it.

And even if he longer feels he will discover the Holy Grail in the dirt, he knows he will be hitting the range again tomorrow, just as those cartoon rats "Pinky and the Brain" know they will be trying to take over the world again tomorrow.

In trying to explain back in 2011 why he was struggling, he explained that his caddie Ronan Flood felt he was being harder on himself than Dobby, the elf from the Harry Potter books.

Pinky

"When I don’t hit the shot I want to hit I am getting down on myself. I’m just like Dobby, ironing my hands. It is something that I have to get out of straight away.”

He's no longer has hard on himself — which would't be hard. But while he claims that having done in all in the game he's no longer as certain he will find the secret, he's not going to stop being a golfer and heading to the range.

Harrington spoke to SI's Alan Shipnuck for the Backspin podcast this week and reflected on his 19 years on both the PGA and European Tours.

The podcast also included tips on how to properly apologise for a taking a divot in a hotel room, what game ritual he and Michael Jordan have in common (think tongue), and how his family reacted to his win at the Honda Classic in March, his first PGA Tour victory in seven years.:

"I still believe I am a competitive player. I still love playing golf and competing and trying to figure it out. I believe there is more in me. It might be different but I enjoy trying to figure it out. I think I have got to that age in golf that most golfers get to — they have hit a wall. There are very few professional golfers that have a career that exceeds 20 years..."I have obviously hit that wall and I'd like to get through it. I'd like to figure a way out and goals in life change and your kids are more important and things like that. You have done things and it's easy to go, 'Oh, these kids are so good how can I compete with them?'..."

(Above) Fast forward to 38:28 for the Pinky and the Brain discussion

The downside of having more experience is that you also have more scar tissue. You are also a different player and person and don't get up in the morning with the same excitement levels.

The Brain

"Tiger? If he was 20 years of age with the same swing he has now, he would be winning plenty of majors. He has just done it. He has not got a lot more to prove in the game of golf. He hasn't got that innocence that he had at 20. It is not lack of effort, or lack of trying. You are just a different person."Did you ever hear of Pinky and the Brain? Okay, they are two lab rats and every night they break out of the lab and try and take over the world."Every night it finishes like this. They traipse home and the Brain says to Pinky, 'What are we going to do tomorrow?' And Pinky says, 'As always, we are going to try and take over the world, and fail.'"Every time I leave the range now, first of all I say to my caddie, I'd love to keep practicing. I've never left the putting green or pitching green or the range and not wanted to stay there. And just to wind my caddie up, I'll say, 'What are we going to do tomorrow?' and he'll go, 'Yep, we're going to keep on practicing.'"So I can't change myself, I am going to stay that way. I am the lab rat, I just can't figure out if I am Pinky or The Brain. My caddie and I haven't established who is Pinky, but we know what we are going to do tomorrow. We are going to go to the practice ground."

Kilkenny's Jeff Kealy (second left) celebrates with team mates (from left) Dylan Smithwick, Mark Power, Harry Duggan and Jack Walsh after securing victory on the 16th green to clinch the final of 2015 Fred Daly All Ireland Trophy at Moyola Park Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Kilkenny claimed the Fred Daly Trophy, defeating a gallant Tandragee in the All Ireland final  at Moyola Park on Tuesday.

The honour of clinching the trophy went to Jeff Kealy, who scored a 3 and 2 victory in the final game against Jordan McKenzie.

Earlier, Kilkenny had accounted for County Sligo in the first semi-final, while Tandragee defeated Mallow.

Michael Connaughton (President, GUI) presenting Liam Cody (Captain, Kilkenny Golf Club) with the 2015 Fred Daly pennant after their victory at Moyola Park Golf Club today (25/05/2015). Front row (from left) Laurence McQuillan (Captain, Moyola Park GC), Luke Kelly (Team Manager) and Peter Sinclair (Chairman, Ulster Branch, GUI).Middle row (from left) Morgan Doyle (President, Kilkenny GC), Richard Duggan, Jack Condron, PJ Martin (Assistant Team Manager), Luke Donnelly, Jack Walsh and Leo Byrne (Junion Convenor). Back row (from left) Kevin Power, Morgan Walsh, Shane Mahoney, Brian Crowdle, Dylan Smithwick, Harry Duggan Mark Power and Jeff Kealy.  Picture by Pat Cashman

William Small (Tandragee) with his caddie Olivia Mehaffey playing to the 14th green in the final of 2015 Fred Daly All Ireland Trophy at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

William Small (Tandragee) playing to the 14th green in the final of 2015 Fred Daly All Ireland Trophy at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

Michael Connaughton (President, GUI) with the Mallow Team beaten semi finalists in the 2015 Fred Daly Trophy All Ireland Finals at Moyola Park Golf Club (25/05/2015). Front row (from left) Miriam O'Keeffe (Lady Captain, Mallow GC), David Walsh (Team Captain) and Peter McKenna (Captain, Mallow GC). At back (from left) Jack Dillon, Daniel O'Sullivan, Liam Dowling, Greg Barrett, Edward Walsh, Eoin Aherne, Roy Whelan, Adam Walsh, Conor Roche and John Sheehan (President, Mallow GC). Picture by Pat Cashman

Richard Duggan (Kilkenny) playing to the 14th green in the final of 2015 Fred Daly All Ireland Trophy at Moyola Park Golf Club (25/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

David Cunningham (Tandragee) driving at the 15th tee in the final of 2015 Fred Daly All Ireland Trophy at Moyola Park. Picture by Pat Cashman

Michael Connaughton (President, GUI) with the Co Sligo Team beaten semi finalists in the 2015 Fred Daly Trophy All Ireland Finals at Moyola Park Golf Club. Front row (from left) Terry Brady (Team Captain) and Aidan Doyle (Captain, Co Sligo GC). At back (from left) Joseph Keyes, Peter O'Hara, T.J Ford, Paddy Bird, Tom Ford (Team Vice Captain), David Brady, Cian Feeney, Luke Armstrong and Tom O'Hara. Missing from picture is Conor Wynne. Picture by Pat Cashman

Fred Daly Trophy All-Ireland Semi-Finals & Final, Moyola Park Golf ClubTuesday 25th AugustSemi-FinalsCounty Sligo 3 Kilkenny 4  (County Sligo names first)

1. David Brady (1) beat Mark Power (0) 4/3
2. T.J. Ford (1) lost to Luke Donnelly (1) 5/4
3. Cian Feeney (2) beat Kevin Power (1) 4/3
4. Tom O’Hara (5) lost to Brian Crowdle (1) 4/3
5. Conor Wynne (5) lost to Harry Duggan (2) 3/2
6. Joseph Keyes (5) lost to Richard Duggan (5) 2/1
7. Paddy Bird (5) beat Shane Mahony (6) 4/3

Mallow 1½ Tandragee 5½ (Mallow names first) 

1. Conor Roche (2) lost to William Small (1) 3/2
2. Edward Walsh (2) lost to David Cunningham (4) 20th
3. Greg Barrett (4) lost to Jake Rowe (4) 2/1
4. Liam Dowling (4) lost to Edward Rowe (5) 2/1
5. Eoin Aherne (4) beat Peter Taylor (6) 1 hole
6. Roy Whelan (5) lost to Cameron Fox (6) 2 holes
7. Daniel O’Sullivan (6) halved with Jordan McKenzie (8) 

All-Ireland FinalKilkenny 4½ Tandragee 2½ (Kilkenny names first)

1. Mark Power (0) lost to William Small (1) 19th
2. Luke Donnelly (1) lost to David Cunningham (4) 1 hole
3. Kevin Power (1) beat Jake Rowe (4) 2 holes
4. Brian Crowdle (1) beat Edward Rowe (5) 2/1
5. Harry Duggan (2) beat Peter Taylor (6) 5/4
6. Richard Duggan (5) halved with Cameron Fox (6) 
7. Jeff Kealy (6) beat Jordan McKenzie (8) 3/2

David Higgins

Waterville's David Higgins carded a five under par round of 67 to win the PGA Southern Championship at Powerscourt's East Course on Tuuesday.

Higgins finished the 36-hole event on nine under par, one shot ahead of overnight leader, Banbridge's Richard Kilpatrick with Mark O'Sullivan from Piltown Driving Range a shot further back.

“I played nicely today. It was a great round, my only mistake came at the 13th when I three-putted for a bogey but apart from that I played some solid golf,” said 42-year old Higgins.

“I went home last week and played some golf with my father (Liam). He gave me a few pointers and I managed to take them into the tournament.”

Higgins trailed Kilpatrick by a shot heading into the final round but it was O'Sullivan who had the advantage after nine holes at the Co Wicklow venue.

A trio of birdies at seven, eight and nine saw O'Sullivan edge ahead of playing partners Kilpatrick and Higgins by a single shot with nine to play.

The Waterville man found some momentum after the turn and birdies at 10, 11 and 12 brought him level with O'Sullivan on nine under par who also birdied the 11th and 12th..

That bogey at 13 dropped Higgins back on eight under but he responded with a birdie at the 14th and took the lead on his own when O'Sullivan dropped a shot at the 15th.

A further dropped shot by O'Sullivan at the 18th saw him drop into third with Kilpatrick's blemish free back nine of two under par 34 earning him the runner's up spot.

Victory also saw Higgins edge ahead of long-time leader Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) in the Order of Merit battle.

“Eamonn has been playing some fantastic golf all year. It has kind of helped push me along,” added David.

“I'm sure we will have a really good battle now for that top spot.”

PGA Southern Championship, Powerscourt GC (Par 72)

Detailed scores

135 David Higgins (Waterville GC) 68 67 

136 Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 67 69

137 Mark O'Sullivan (Piltown Driving Range) 68 69

139 Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC) 71 68

142 James Quinlivan (Mullingar GC) 68 74

143 M Kelly (Dun Laoghaire GC) 70 73; B Kerley (Green Life Golf Centre) 73 70 ; Rebecca Codd 73 70; N Kearney (Royal Dublin GC) 75 68

144 M McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 71 73; G Massey (Hermitage GC) 73 71; P Dooley (Drive Golf Performance Ltd) 74 70; C McNamara (Monkstown GC) 74 70.

Lady captain, Una Stephens and captain, Michael Duffy, present John Burns with the Honorary Life membership scroll at Mullingar Golf Club

Mullingar Golf Club has been blessed with a magnificent James BRaid golf course and some wonderful members and given such a surfeit of riches it's easy to might be easy to take other things for granted.

In club professional John Burns, Mullingar has had a great servant for more than 41 years and as he approaches his 65th birthday later this year, the inevitable is about to occur.

Just as Bobby Browne and David Kinsella are synonymous with Laytown and Bettystown and Castle, John is Mr Mullingar and will be greatly missed when he retires later this year.

Naturally, the club recently held a hugely successful testimonial day for their long-serving PGA professional in recognition of his loyal service to the club.

John Burns, pictured with Michael McCumiskey, Secretary of the PGA Irish Region.

He was bestowed with honorary life membership to the acclaim of the massive gathering present. Indeed, he is almost certainly one of the longest serving PGA professionals in the country.

He served his apprenticeship in Killarney under Tony Coveney and having graduated went to Hermitage, before being appointed in Mullingar on Easter Monday 1974.

Among those present among a large number of friends and guests were his brother Michael Burns, now an R&A selector, PGA officer Peadar McPartland and Michael McCumiskey, Secretary of the Irish Region of the PGA, as well as other local dignitaries.

Richard Kilpatrick. Picture via PGA Europro Tour

Richard Kilpatrick has a one shot lead heading into Tuesday's second and final round of the PGA Southern Championship at Powerscourt Golf Club's East Course.

The former East of Ireland champion from Banbridge carded a bogey free five under par 67 at the Co Wicklow venue to edge clear of David Higgins (Waterville), Mark O'Sullivan (Piltown Driving Range) and James Quinlivan (Mullingar GC).

Kilpatrick won the Ballyliffin Pro-Am in July and the 33-year-old was in fine form on Monday going to the turn in two under 34 with birdies at the fourth and sixth.

He continued to play solid golfon his back nine, adding further birdies at the 12th, 15th and 18th.

PGA Southern Championship pro-am winner, Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown), is amongst the chasing pack after opening his account with a one under par 71.

The cut fell at five over par with 47 players making it through to today's second round. Defending champion, Peter Jones (Coollatin), was one of those to miss out after carding a six over par 78.

A shotgun start will be in operation for round two, with the players teeing off at 9am.

PGA Southern Championship, Powerscourt Golf Club – East (Par 72)

Leading scores

• 1 R Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 67
• T2 D Higgins (Waterville GC); M O'Sullivan (Piltown Driving Range); J Quinlivan (Mullingar GC) 68
• T5 M Kelly (Dun Laoghaire GC); D Mooney (Ballyliffin) 70
• T7 E Brady (Clontarf GC); M McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 71
• T9 G Robinson; J Dillon (Headfort GC); P Small (Galway GC) 72

Gavin Moynihan and Jack Hume (Ireland), pictured on the final day of the 2015 Home International Matches, have earned Walker Cup caps. PICTURE BY PAT CASHMAN

Brotherly bonding as much as individual brilliance was the key to Irish golf securing an historic five-strong presence in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side to face the United States at Royal Lytham and St Annes from September 12-13.

Greystones' Paul Dunne, Naas’ Jack Hume, West Waterford's Gary Hurley, The Island's Gavin Moynihan and Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin got the nod from the selectors and broke the record Irish Walker Cup presence of four set by Joe Carr, Cecil Ewing, Jimmy Bruen and Max McCready in the 12-man teams of 1949 and 1951.

The now famous five are joined by English trio Ashley Chesters, Jimmy Mullen and Sam Horsfield and Scotland’s Grant Forrest and Jack McDonald in what will be a difficult bid to win back the trophy after the USA romped to a 17-9 victory at the National Golf Links of America two years ago.

GARY HURLEY WATCHES HIS TEE SHOT ON THE 12TH HOLE DURING THE SECOND ROUND OF STOKE PLAY OF THE 2015 U.S. AMATEUR AT OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB IN OLYMPIA FIELDS, ILL. ON TUESDAY, AUG. 18, 2015. (COPYRIGHT USGA/JEFF HAYNES)

Yes, Dunne’s brilliant performances in the NCAAs, The Open and the US Amateur were important and so too was the Brabazon Trophy win by Sharvin, Moynihan’s second Irish Amateur Open win, Hurley’s European Amateur Championship runner up spot or Hume’s rock like consistency over the past two years and his role in Ireland’s second successive Home Internationals.

But in giving Irish golf half the places in the 10-man team, non-playing captain Nigel Edwards and his selectors have also clearly back the bond that this band of Irish brothers has forged amongst themselves and with the rest of the GB&I squad over the past few seasons.

“It’s a combination of both,” Edwards said yesterday. “If you look at their individual performances, they have done brilliantly. Yes, they have shone and they do play very well as a team but their individual performances have also been very good.  

“That said, as a group, they have been doing it together for quite some time now. They have obviously built up a great camaraderie and each player’s individual success has fuelled the fire the others

“All of them have been around the Irish team for the last four years and that creates a great team bond.”

Scotland will be upset they got just two onto the team in the year in which they won the European Amateur Team Championship. However, they also lost to Ireland in the decisive Home Internationals encounter, where Hume may well have done enough to impress the selectors that he was worth a berth.

CORMAC SHARVIN WATCHES HIS TEE SHOT ON THE FIFTH HOLE DURING THE SECOND ROUND OF STOKE PLAY OF THE 2015 U.S. AMATEUR AT OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB IN OLYMPIA FIELDS, ILL. ON TUESDAY, AUG. 18, 2015. (COPYRIGHT USGA/JEFF HAYNES)

Ewen Ferguson's failure to make the cut in the US Amateur at Olympia Fields may have been significant while US-based Horsfield was always a players who was going to be attractive.

"The last couple of spots always cause the most discussion," Edwards said. "What I will say is the selection panel was unanimous in the whole team and the reserves.

There was a little bit of a wider discussion and each and every player was given really discussion by the selection panel, even players who are not named as reserves. We were unanimous."

Asked if the US Amateur affected selection, Edwards said: "Not really, no. Having said that, if a player who is not in the team had gone out and won the US Amateur, of course it would have. That is stating the obvious."

On Horsfield, who did not attend the squad session as he was only informed about it my email the week before, Edwards said: "Horsfield reached the quarters of the Western Amateur, he has won in America and he has performed. Okay, he hasn’t got the links experience but how many of the American team have got links experience?

"That doesn’t mean they are not going to be able to play. That question doesn’t really stack up. Of course people will be questioning players. But I am really happy with the team and looking forward to getting them together at Lytham and getting them to perform well."

Paul Dunne watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the third round of match play of the 2015 U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Ill. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015.  (Copyright USGA/John Mummert)

Running through the Irish quintet, Edwards added: “I have known Paul for quite some time and I was going to these events and I was actually still playing when Paul was still on the radar as a junior and then going off to UAB.

"He is a great competitor and a great putter and his performances still summer have just added weight to his ability.

"He has formed a great partnership with Gary Hurley in foursomes both for Ireland and GB&I in the St Andrew Trophy. I have been aware of Paul for some time and he has developed very well. he is a good team player and he will be looking forward to it.

"After the Open, plenty of people will have been dangling carrots in front of Paul but I am glad he stuck to his goal of playing in the Walker Cup and now he’s realised that.

“I saw him the day after The Open and I asked him the question and there was no way he was going to pass up the opportunity of playing in the Walker Cup for the sake of six weeks."

On Hurley, he said: “Gary would have been under quite a bit of pressure from himself more than anyone to perform leading up the Walker Cup selection and he did that leading up to the European Amateur in Slovakia [finishing second] and he’s had a great foursome partnership with Paul for Ireland and Great Britain and Ireland [winning eight and a half out of nine].

“Jack [Hume] has been so consistent but yes, the recent Home Internationals absolutely played a role in his selection. And he’s a good competitor, a good team man, a wonderful putter and he makes plenty of birdies. So I’m sure he will continue to make plenty of birdies.

Some great news today! Delighted to be apart of the @WalkerCup2015 @WalkerCup #GB&I #CúigSuas

Walker Cup players  (L-R) GARY HURLEY, GAVIN MOYNIHAN, PAUL DUNNE, CORMAC SHARVIN AND JACK HUME. (PIC: CORMAC SHARVIN/FACEBOOK)

It's not easy to outstrip the likes of Joe Carr, Jimmy Bruen, Cecil Ewing or Max McCready but a quintet of Irish amateur stars pulled it off today when they were named by the R&A in the Great Britain and Ireland team to face the USA in the 2015 Walker Cup match at Royal Lytham & St Annes from September 12-13.

Greystones' Paul Dunne, Naas Jack Hume, West Waterford's Gary Hurley, The Island's Gavin Moynihan and Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin got the nod from the selectors at the weekend and broke the record Irish Walker Cup presence of four set by Carr, Ewing, Bruen and McCready in 1949 and repeated in 1951.

The side was named this morning and the now famous five of Dunne, Hume, Hurley, Moynihan and Sharvin are joined by English trio Ashley Chesters, Jimmy Mullen and Sam Horsfield and Scots Grant Forrest and Jack McDonald in what will be a difficult bid to win back the trophy after the USA enjoyed a 17-9 victory at the National Golf Links of America in Southampton, New York, two years ago.

Nigel Edwards, who will be captaining the GB&I team for the third time, said: “We have selected a talented group of players who compete at the highest levels of amateur golf and, in some cases, have played in Major Championships and Tour events. 

"The Walker Cup offers these players a tremendous opportunity to display their abilities and gain invaluable experience of playing in international team competition.

“I know there will be players who are disappointed not to have made the team and it has been a difficult decision to make with such strength in depth in the British and Irish game at the moment but we believe we have selected the best players for the team and are very much looking forward to the match.”

The United States completed its 10-man team following Sunday's US Amateur Championship final at Olympia Fields in Chicago with the addition of five players to the five they announced earlier this month.

Scott Harvey, 37, of Greensboro, N.C.; Denny McCarthy, 22, of Rockville, Md.; Mike McCoy, 52, of Des Moines, Iowa; Jordan Niebrugge, 22, of Mequon, Wis.; and Robby Shelton, 19, of Wilmer, Ala., will represent the United States Team captained by John “Spider” Miller at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England, Sept. 12-13.

These five players join 2015 U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau, 21, of Clovis, Calif.; Beau Hossler, 20, of Mission Viejo, Calif.; Lee McCoy, 21, of Athens, Ga.; Maverick McNealy, 19, of Portola Valley, Calif.; and Hunter Stewart, 22, of Lexington, Ky.

“The addition of these five outstanding gentlemen to the 2015 United States Walker Cup Team is a source of great pride for us,” said Diana M. Murphy, USGA vice president and chairman of the USGA’s Championship Committee. 

“We are confident that this group of 10 who will represent the USA will form a competitive and cohesive team in the true spirit of the Walker Cup and prove to be an amicable and formidable opponent for Great Britain and Ireland.”

The presence of Florida-based Horsfield—he's lived there since he was five— might come as a surprise to some but he reached the second round of the US Amateur and is the third highest ranked player from GB&I.

The Great Britain & Ireland team:

• Ashley Chesters, 26, Hawkstone Park, England
• Paul Dunne, 22, Greystones, Ireland
• Grant Forrest, 22, Craigielaw, Scotland
• Sam Horsfield, 18, Davenport, Florida, USA
• Jack Hume, 21, Naas, Ireland
• Gary Hurley, 22, West Waterford, Ireland
• Jack McDonald, 22, Kilmarnock (Barassie), Scotland
• Gavin Moynihan, 20, The Island, Ireland
• Jimmy Mullen, 21, Royal North Devon, England
• Cormac Sharvin, 22, Ardglass, Ireland

Reserves

• Ewen Ferguson, 19, Bearsden, Scotland
• Bradley Moore, 17, Kedleston Park, England

Captain: Nigel Edwards, 47, Whitchurch, Wales

Recent results:

• 2013 The National Golf Links of America, USA 17 GB&I 9
• 2011 Royal Aberdeen, GB&I 14 USA 12
• 2009 Merion, USA 16 ½ GB&I 9 ½

GB&I teamAshley Chesters - England

Chesters is the highest-ranked British player in the World Amateur Golf RankingTM in sixth position and put in an excellent performance in The Open at St Andrews to finish tied for 12th. The two-time European Amateur Champion and English international reached the last 16 of the Amateur Championship at Carnoustie, finished tied second at the Welsh Open Stroke Play Championship and tied seventh at the Brabazon Trophy.

Paul Dunne - Ireland

Dunne also distinguished himself at The Open and was the joint leader after 54 holes before finishing tied 30th. The former Irish Boys Champion has enjoyed an excellent season, securing top ten finishes at the Brabazon Trophy and the individual standings of the European Amateur Team Championship in Sweden. He reached the quarter final stage of last week’s U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympia Fields.

Grant Forrest - Scotland

Forrest was the runner-up in this year’s Amateur Championship and played a key role in Scotland’s victory at last month’s European Amateur Team Championship, winning five points out of six. In 2014, the former Scottish Boys and Scottish Amateur Champion won the St Andrews Links Trophy and was part of the victorious European Palmer Cup team.

Sam Horsfield - England

Horsfield was born in England but his family moved to Florida when he was aged five. Currently ranked 23rd in the World Amateur Golf RankingTM, the 2013 Florida State Amateur Champion reached the quarter finals of this year’s Western Amateur Championship and qualified for the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. He reached the last 32 at last week’s U.S. Amateur Championship.

Jack Hume - Ireland

Hume has been a consistent performer this season, finishing tied third in the Brabazon Trophy and tied sixth in the St Andrews Links Trophy. As well as finishing in the top 20 at the European Amateur Championship in Slovakia and the Irish Amateur Open Championship, Hume was part of the winning Irish team at the recent Home Internationals.

Gary Hurley - Ireland

Hurley was runner-up in the recent European Amateur Championship, after finishing joint runner-up in 2014, and was also second at the Spanish International Amateur Championship earlier this year. The R&A Foundation Scholar finished in the top 20 in the Lytham Trophy and was part of the Irish team which finished second at the Southern Cross Invitational. He has also represented Europe in the Palmer Cup on two occasions.

Jack McDonald - Scotland

McDonald reached the semi-finals of the Amateur Championship and was part of the winning Scottish team in the European Amateur Team Championship, like Forrest, winning five points out of six, and finishing tied fourth in the individual standings. The R&A Foundation Scholar also achieved top 15 finishes at the Lytham Trophy, the Irish Amateur Open Championship, the Scottish Stroke Play Championship and the St Andrews Links Trophy.

Gavin Moynihan - Ireland

Moynihan played in the 2013 Walker Cup match at the National Golf Links of America, earning two points out of four for the GB&I team. He won the Irish Open Amateur Championship for the second time this year, finished runner-up at the Brabazon Trophy, third at the European Amateur Championship and was part of Ireland’s winning Home Internationals team.

Jimmy Mullen - England

Mullen is the reigning Welsh Amateur Open Stroke Play Champion. He was part of the England team which finished fourth at the European Amateur Team Championship and also represented his country in this year’s Home Internationals. He finished tied third in the Duncan Putter and tied 19th at the Lytham Trophy. In 2014, he reached the last 16 of the U.S Amateur Championship.

Cormac Sharvin - Ireland

Sharvin won this year’s Brabazon Trophy to capitalise on a rich vein of form which saw him finish runner-up to Moynihan at the Irish Open Amateur Championship, tied second at the Lytham Trophy and third at the Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship. The R&A Foundation Scholar also represented Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championship.

The Walker CupThe Walker Cup Match is a biennial ten-man amateur team competition between a team composed of players from Great Britain and Ireland and the USA. It is played over two days with 18 singles matches and eight foursomes matches. The USA leads the overall series 35-8-1.

David Horsey with the Made in Denmark trophy. Picture; Getty Images

Peter Lawrie is still €6,404 outside the Top 110 in the Race to Dubai who will have full cards for 2016.

The Dubliner, 41, lost his playing rights last season and after finishing tied 17th at the Made in Denmark event, he's earned €160,00 from 20 starts and moved up to 117th in the money list.

But it could have been so much better for Lawrie, who made two bogeys in his last five holes €20,725 in carding with a level par 72.

Had he played those holes in level par he'd have finished in the Top 10 and earned enough to make the Top 110 this week. 

While Lawrie was going backwards with a 72 at Himmerland Golf and Spa Resort, Englishman David Horsey claimed his fourth European Tour title with a two over par 73.

Michael Hoey (€13,125) moved up 25 places to tied 27th on five under after a closing 68 that was marred by a double bogey six at the 17th while Kevin Phelan (70, €10,050) was tied 35th on four under with stable mate Darren Clarke (74, €7,350) a shot further back in joint 44th.

Simon Thornton (71, €2,244) was 71st on one over.

According to the European Tour:

"A total of 24,112 lined the fairways, yet again creating an electric atmosphere, but their hopes for a home winner were dashed as Søren Kjeldsen came up just short, signing off with a three under par 68 for a share of second place, two shots behind Horsey."Sweden’s Kristoffer Broberg, and Australians Daniel Gaunt and Terry Pilkadaris were the others tying for the runner-up spot on 11 under par, while another Australian, Richard Green, Welshman Bradley Dredge, Scot Paul Lawrie and Dane Mads Søgaard shared sixth."Horsey, who led from start to finish, had a two shot cushion playing the last, but, after driving into thick rough on the left, produced a superb shot into the green and two-putted for par.Horsey said: “It feels fantastic. It’s starting to sink in now. Coming down those last few holes I was very much in my own zone just trying to focus on myself. It probably helped that there weren’t many leaderboards out there."The crowds were unbelievable. We have good fans in the UK, but the fans here are just fantastic. They are so loud. To get clapped in on all the greens like we did was amazing. As I was standing over that shot into 18, I knew I was two ahead, but I knew Terry could make birdie and get to 12 under, and when he hit it into 20 feet that sort of made my mind up."I only had 160 to the flag and I knew anywhere left was fine. I hit seven, making sure I kept it left, and it came out perfectly.”Final scores:

271 D Horsey (Eng) 63 67 68 73, 

273 S Kjeldsen (Den) 66 71 68 68, K Broberg (Swe) 72 69 70 62, T Pilkadaris (Aus) 66 68 65 74, D Gaunt (Aus) 69 67 71 66, 

274 M Søgaard  (Den) 68 68 69 69, R Green (Aus) 68 65 70 71, P Lawrie (Sco) 65 72 68 69, B Dredge (Wal) 66 68 70 70, 

275 J Parry (Eng) 66 67 69 73, 

276 M Jonzon (Swe) 70 68 70 68, V Riu  (Fra) 70 72 67 67, R Dinwiddie  (Eng) 70 70 67 69, 

277 B Hebert  (Fra) 69 72 67 69, J Guerrier  (Fra) 71 70 66 70, Peter Lawrie (Irl) 66 69 70 72, D Lipsky (USA) 71 71 66 69, R Karlberg  (Swe) 69 68 69 71, J Scrivener (Aus) 69 69 71 68, 

278 J Gonnet  (Fra) 67 72 74 65, T Lewis (Eng) 68 70 69 71, P Peterson (USA) 71 67 69 71, F Fritsch  (Ger) 68 70 69 71, C Arendell (USA) 69 72 68 69, G Storm  (Eng) 66 72 72 68, M Madsen  (Den) 68 71 69 70, 

279 T Bjørn (Den) 69 69 70 71, D Woltman (USA) 68 72 67 72, A Pavan (Ita) 73 69 66 71, A Otaegui  (Esp) 71 68 70 70, A Hansen (Den) 69 72 67 71, Michael Hoey (NIr) 71 71 69 68, C Doak (Sco) 68 70 71 70, R Bland (Eng) 70 72 66 71, 

280 R McEvoy  (Eng) 69 71 69 71, T Pieters  (Bel) 70 72 71 67, S Manley (Wal) 72 69 73 66, B Evans  (Eng) 71 69 72 68, P Oriol (Esp) 71 69 72 68, O Fisher  (Eng) 70 69 68 73, Kevin Phelan (Irl) 71 69 70 70, L Jensen (Den) 67 71 71 71, C Paisley  (Eng) 68 68 66 78, 

281 M Warren (Sco) 71 67 71 72, S Jamieson  (Sco) 71 69 70 71, D Brooks (Eng) 72 70 66 73, M Fitzpatrick  (Eng) 69 70 73 69, Darren Clarke (NIr) 69 70 68 74, A Velasco (Esp) 74 68 69 70, J Lagergren (Swe) 72 70 69 70, D Drysdale (Sco) 69 71 70 71, O Farr (Wal) 64 71 73 73, 

282 J Singh (Ind) 71 71 69 71, S Benson (Eng) 68 73 70 71, R Rock (Eng) 71 69 71 71, S Kapur (Ind) 69 70 70 73, E De La Riva  (Esp) 68 68 72 74, 

283 L Slattery (Eng) 67 74 70 72, M Ovesen (Den) 68 70 75 70, M Tullo (Chi) 74 68 69 72, M Carlsson  (Swe) 70 68 70 75, J Walters (RSA) 71 68 70 74, P Archer (Eng) 70 72 70 71, M Nixon (Eng) 75 65 69 74, T Pulkkanen  (Fin) 70 72 70 71, R Karlsson (Swe) 69 70 69 75, 

284 M Bremner (RSA) 71 71 66 76, J Stalter (Fra) 71 71 69 73, M Delpodio  (Ita) 70 72 73 69, A Knappe (Ger) 71 71 69 73, 

285 M Ford (Eng) 71 70 72 72, B Stow (Eng) 71 71 73 70, J Rask (Swe) 74 67 71 73, Simon Thornton (Irl) 69 70 75 71, P Whiteford (Sco) 72 70 69 74, 

286 J Barnes (Eng) 74 68 71 73, 

287 S Dodd (Wal) 69 72 71 75, J Edfors (Swe) 71 71 74 71, P Uihlein  (USA) 71 71 68 77, J Makitalo  (Fin) 72 70 72 73, 

288 M Simonsen  (Den) 71 71 74 72, P Edberg (Swe) 69 73 68 78, E Molinari  (Ita) 73 69 70 76, 

289 S Hutsby  (Eng) 74 68 72 75, C Del Moral (Esp) 66 75 70 78,

292 D Fichardt (RSA) 68 74 77 73,

297 N Kristensen  (Den) 73 68 77 79

The Famous Five?  (L-R) Gary Hurley, Gavin Moynihan, Paul Dunne, Cormac Sharvin and Jack Hume. (Pic: Cormac Sharvin/Facebook)

Members of Naas Golf Club were openly discussing the "great news" on Sunday that Jack Hume has been handed a Walker Cup spot for next month's matches at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

And with Paul Dunne, Gary Hurley, Gavin Moynihan and Cormac Sharvin already considered certainties, it appears that Ireland will have a record representation of five players in the side to face the United States at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Hume has generally been considered to be one of five or six players battling for the last two spots on the team. But his consistency over the past year and his excellent links pedigree makes him an ideal candidate.

The R&A will confirm the team on Monday and given the good feeling around Naas and whispers from others close to the parties concerned, it appears likely now that the boys in green will make up half the team and have five representatives in the 10-man side for the first time in the event’s 93-year history

Ireland had four players on the team in 1949 and 1951 when Joe Carr, Jimmy Bruen, Cecil Ewing and Max McCready played at Winged Foot and Royal Birkdale respectively.

But as skipper Nigel Edwards pointed out last week, Irish amateur golf has managed to maintain the nucleus of the same team for the last few seasons, resulting in a strong bond and back-to-back victories in the Home Internationals.

“Ireland has kept those players in there for a period of time,” Edwards said of the benefits of remaining amateur rather than jumping straight into the professional ranks. “So they have gained a lot of experience and that’s helped their performance. 

“They have had some serous performances on good golf courses in difficult conditions and getting results year after year. I think it is very pleasing to see because they like matchplay as well and they gel well as a team.”

During last week's US Amateur there was talk that Ireland could count on no more than four players. But given the talk from Naas, Sharvin's initial feelings on the matter appear to be spot on.

“I think five isn’t out of the equation,” Sharvin said. “If we get any less I think there will be a lot of people and team mates very, very disappointed."

Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) with the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship trophy after his victory at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Massereene's Tiarnan McLarnon struck a blow for the part-time amateur when he led from start to finish as he claimed an impressive 2 and 1 victory over Castle’s Alex Gleeson in the AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore.

The 23-year old dental technician — the only non Irish panel member to win a championship this year—made the cut on the mark after second round 74 and improved daily, seeing off the ever improving Eugene Smith by one hole in the semis before taking command and never letting go against Gleeson in the final

Winner of the Irish intervarsity title at Tramore four years ago, he is unlucky as far as an international selection is concerned that he won the 'Close' in a year when it was played after the Home Internationals.

The talented Gleeson, who was also denied a major by Stuart Grehan in the East, deservedly earned his international call up earlier this month, playing on the side that retained the Raymond Trophy at Royal Portrush.

Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) with the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship trophy after his victory at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015) with his Antrim GAA friends Kevin Kerr, Damian McLarnon, Michael Gormley and Caoimhim Duffin. Picture by Pat Cashman

The Dubliner was the hot favourite for the title having made five birdies and an eagle in his semi-final and surived a comeback by Faithlegg’s Robin Dawson, who was three down but rallied before losing to a long bomb birdie on the 19th.

“He (Gleeson) was probably classed as the favourite for the final,” McLarnon told Golfnet.ie. "Alex is a great player. Last time I played him, he beat me 6 and 4 in the Interpros two years ago. I knew he was going to fire birdies at me. And he did. And I was able to cope with it."

Four down early, Gleeson birdied the seventh and ninth to be just two down at the turn, then made another birdie at the 10th to get to within striking distance.

But McLarnon won the 11th in par and crucially halved the 12th in birdie and when he also birdied the 13th to go three up, victory was at hand.

Alex Gleeson (Castle) driving at the 14th tee in his final match at the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Gleeson had chances for wins at the 14th and 15th and while he won the 16th with a two putt, McLarnon made a solid par at the 17th, rolling in a three footer for victory.

"I always believed I could win," said McLarnon, "I wouldn't turn up if I didn't believe I could win. When I got through the match against Jordan Hood yesterday, I had a good feeling that I could win it from there.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster but I've enjoyed it. This week it just came together at the time right time.”

According to Golfnet:

Alex Gleeson (Castle) with his caddy John Williams driving at the 8th tee in the final match at the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

A technician at Armagh Dental Lab, McLarnon graduated from the University of Ulster last year and still finds time to play Gaelic football with his local club, Kickhams Creggan. His success at this week's Irish Close is the only victory for a player outside the national panel at this year's majors."This is why I play golf," said the new champion. "I come home from work, get dinner and go to the range until maybe 10 o'clock at night. That's what I do. Today it’s paid off."

Winner Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) holes his putt on the 13th green in his  final match at the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Winner Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) reacts to a missed putt on the 11th green in his  final match at the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) with the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship trophy after his victory at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Picture by Pat Cashman

Michael Connaughton (President, GUI) presenting Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) with the 2015 AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship trophy after his victory at Tramore Golf Club (22/05/2015). Also in the picture are John Molloughney (Chairman, Munster Branch), Aidan Connaughton (AIG) and David Jackman (Captain, Tramore Golf Club). Picture by Pat Cashman

AIG Irish Close Championship, Tramore Golf ClubSaturday 22 AugustFinal

1. Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) bt Alex Gleeson (Castle) 2/1

Semi Finals

1. Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene) bt Eugene Smith (Ardee) 1 Hole
2. Alex Gleeson (Castle) bt Robin Dawson (Faithlegg) 19th